noun
Uncommon
moat
moht
Moat (noun) means a deep, wide ditch, usually filled with water, dug around a castle or fort for defence. Example: “Visitors crossed a wooden drawbridge over the moat to enter the castle.”
noun
1
A deep, wide ditch, usually filled with water, dug around a castle or fort for defence.
"Visitors crossed a wooden drawbridge over the moat to enter the castle."
2
A business advantage that protects a company from competitors.
"The brand's loyal customer base gives it a strong economic moat."
verb
1
To surround something with a moat.
"The estate was moated on all sides for extra security."
How to use moat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA defensive ditch around a castle, or, in business, a lasting competitive advantage.
Common pairings
a castle moat
economic moat
competitive moat
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Word forms
- Plural
- moats
- Third person singular
- moats
- Past tense
- moated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Visitors crossed a wooden drawbridge over the _____ to enter the castle.
Etymology
From Old French "mote," meaning "mound" or "embankment" — the meaning later shifted from the raised earthwork itself to the ditch dug around it. The business sense was popularized by the investor Warren Buffett.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for moat
See all rhymes for moat →Frequently asked questions
What does “moat” mean?
The word “moat” means a deep, wide ditch, usually filled with water, dug around a castle or fort for defence. In plain terms, a defensive ditch around a castle, or, in business, a lasting competitive advantage.
How do you pronounce “moat”?
“Moat” is pronounced moht (/moʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “moat” in a sentence?
Here is “moat” used in a sentence: “Visitors crossed a wooden drawbridge over the moat to enter the castle.”
What part of speech is “moat”?
Depending on how it is used, “moat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “moat” come from?
The word “moat” comes from Old French. From Old French "mote," meaning "mound" or "embankment" — the meaning later shifted from the raised earthwork itself to the ditch dug around it. The business sense was popularized by the investor Warren Buffett.
Is “moat” a common word?
“Moat” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “moat” have?
“Moat” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a deep, wide ditch, usually filled with water, dug around a castle or fort for defence.
